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Re: SIT-A-LONG with Taigu: Fukanzazengi 4

Taigu,

I'm curious as to the differences between the English versions you post and your translations. As a translator myself, I am obviously aware that there will be differences, but I'm wondering if they are merely stylistic, or if your translations are more accurate than the English (or less so). Clearly, this is not a discussion for the forum, but if you want to chat about it some day, let me know.

Re: SIT-A-LONG with Taigu: Fukanzazengi 4

What I found immediately interesting is that the English, "Upon investigation," suggests the results of the investigation, whereas the French, "Alors que nous la recherchons," suggest that the investigation is ongoing. Is the Japanese that vague as far as the tense is concerned? (I studied enough Chinese to know that such ambiguity is possible in that language.)

Re: SIT-A-LONG with Taigu: Fukanzazengi 4

Hello Taigu.

I appreciate this talk, but it also raises some old issues for me around this teaching. As presented this essential self-existing truth exists as an odd beast, an unexperienced experiential truth, unless I have realized "it" through right-effort/no-effort, in which case it there no such "truth". The talk makes sense to me if I see it as a skillful means, and not a statement of metaphysical fact. The idea of a self-existing absolute true "reality" can inspire practice/non-practice in a certain way, but it can also cause me to project an unexperienced metaphysical truth.

Re: SIT-A-LONG with Taigu: Fukanzazengi 4

Re: SIT-A-LONG with Taigu: Fukanzazengi 4

I think the "trying" also comes from the point of wanting to excuse a possible failure. So nobody can tell us how bad we did; we just tried. Its kind of backdoor. Not trying to, but doing makes us more vulnerable.
_()_
Myoku

Re: SIT-A-LONG with Taigu: Fukanzazengi 4

Re: SIT-A-LONG with Taigu: Fukanzazengi 4

Thanks taigu,

I always love that big smile and laugh you have during your talks. And u are not even trying to laugh or smile it just happens naturally because we all know how difficult it is to "try" to put on a smile or even worse"try" to laugh.

Re: SIT-A-LONG with Taigu: Fukanzazengi 4

If only I had watched this last Monday before trying for a new job (and not getting it) and trying so hard to negotiate some funding option (and not getting it), so Taigu, thank you for this happy lesson. I didn't try to get it! I will not try to try again! O que sera, sera!
:cry: :| :lol:

Re: SIT-A-LONG with Taigu: Fukanzazengi 4

Re: SIT-A-LONG with Taigu: Fukanzazengi 4

Originally Posted by Myoku

I think the "trying" also comes from the point of wanting to excuse a possible failure. So nobody can tell us how bad we did; we just tried. Its kind of backdoor. Not trying to, but doing makes us more vulnerable.
_()_
Myoku

Gassho Gassho Gassho Taigu Sensei!

I agree Myoku... it's also adding extra effort that's unnecessary when it's just done naturally. I do tend to try too hard. Related to sitting zazen from a different post. Taigu talks about just letting gravity take care of rooting us into the ground, there is no need for this militaristic correction. That seems to be like trying. Trying to imitate our teacher or sangha-mates etc. I have this mental Kyosaku so to speak. When everything is nice and easy my "self" will want to rigidify and make my strive and try and force thoughts away or force into a posture. I catch myself, and just start laughing.. relax you fool!